ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone ... mapping tools). * Oversee the collection of high-resolution aerial data (e.g., images, video, 3D ...

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone ... mapping tools). * Oversee the collection of high-resolution aerial data (e.g., images, video, 3D ...

Webforge

UAS Associate Pilot

The pilot also will document environmental conditions and known hazards, and coordinate with the ... lines and aerial structures * Experience with RTK drone technology * Knowledge of 3D mapping ...

Five-S Group

Survey Drone Pilot

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Survey Drone Pilot to operate UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for surveying and mapping projects. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting ...

Fives-S Group

Survey Drone Pilot

Baton Rouge, LA

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Survey Drone Pilot to operate UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for surveying and mapping projects. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting ...

Fives-S Group

Survey Drone Pilot

Lafayette, LA

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Survey Drone Pilot to operate UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for surveying and mapping projects. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting ...

Five-S Group

Survey Drone Pilot

Lafayette, LA · On-site

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Survey Drone Pilot to operate UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for surveying and mapping projects. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting ...

Five-S Group

Survey Drone Pilot

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Survey Drone Pilot to operate UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for surveying and mapping projects. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting ...

Five-S Group

Survey Drone Pilot

Lafayette, LA · On-site

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Survey Drone Pilot to operate UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for surveying and mapping projects. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting ...

State of Louisiana

Aircraft Pilot 1-2

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.1K - $9.2K/mo

... aerial maps Determines the suitability of weather conditions and other factors related to safe ... Required to be recertified each year by an approved agency check pilot. May assist the Office of ...

State of Louisiana

Aircraft Pilot 1-2

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.1K - $9.2K/mo

... on aerial maps. * Determines the suitability of weather conditions and other factors related to ... Another LDAF pilot may be a safety pilot. *Special consideration will be given to applicants who ...

New

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsAerial Mapping Pilot JobsEntry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot Jobs

Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot information

See salary details

$15

$22

$29

How much do entry level aerial mapping pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level aerial mapping pilot in the United States is $22.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level aerial mapping pilot?

Entry level aerial mapping pilots are professionals who operate aircraft, typically drones or small planes, to capture aerial images and data for mapping and surveying purposes. They are responsible for flying specific routes, following safety protocols, and using specialized equipment to collect accurate geographic information. These pilots often work under the supervision of experienced mapping teams and may assist in processing and analyzing the collected data. Entry level positions usually require a pilot's license, familiarity with mapping technology, and strong attention to detail. This role is vital in industries such as construction, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and urban planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level aerial mapping pilot?

To thrive as an Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot’s license, strong navigation skills, and a basic understanding of aerial survey techniques. Familiarity with GPS systems, flight planning software, and aerial camera or LiDAR equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently are valuable soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, accurate data collection and effective collaboration with survey teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level aerial mapping pilots during field operations?

Entry level aerial mapping pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, managing complex flight plans over unfamiliar terrain, and ensuring precise data capture while operating specialized aerial mapping equipment. Additionally, coordinating with ground teams and air traffic control requires strong communication skills and attention to detail. Overcoming these hurdles typically involves thorough pre-flight preparation, ongoing training, and close collaboration with experienced team members.

What is the difference between Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectEntry Level Aerial Mapping PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification, basic pilot trainingFAA Part 107 certification, may include additional certifications for specific drone types
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-site mapping projects, often in rural or industrial areasIndoor or outdoor, various settings including filming, inspections, or surveying
Industry UsagePrimarily in surveying, mapping, GIS, and constructionMedia, real estate, inspections, and general drone operations

While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve drone operation, Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilots focus on mapping and surveying tasks, often in outdoor environments, whereas Drone Operators may work in diverse industries like media or inspections with broader operational responsibilities.

More about Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs are:

Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,753 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

UAS Drone Pilot

TSMG

Houston, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone missions, managing the technical aspects of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and adhering to strict regulatory standards across the United States.

This position requires a deep technical understanding of drone technology, flight planning, regulatory compliance, and risk management, with a focus on precision operations in both urban and rural environments. 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute complex drone missions in accordance with operational goals, ensuring optimal flight safety and data quality.
  • Perform manual and autonomous flight operations using a variety of drone systems (e.g., multirotors, fixed-wing, hybrid), including the latest models in surveying, inspection, and mapping.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to integrate drone capabilities with other technologies (e.g., LiDAR, thermal imaging, photogrammetry, GIS mapping tools).
  • Oversee the collection of high-resolution aerial data (e.g., images, video, 3D models, thermal imagery) during flight missions.
  • Ensure proper storage and security of data collected during flights, complying with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).
  • Perform basic post-processing tasks (e.g., georeferencing, stitching, creating flight logs) and work with external software platforms (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft).
  • Conduct pre-flight equipment checks, including batteries, sensors, camera systems, and communication links.
  • Provide comprehensive mission reports, including flight logs, data analysis, and actionable insights for clients.
Qualifications:
  • Valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permission, including Part 107, Part 135 (if applicable), and any specific local or state requirements.
  • Minimum 3 years of professional drone piloting experience in complex operations.
  • Extensive experience with drone platforms such as DJI Matrice, Phantom, Inspire, or custom-built UAS.
  • Proven track record of flying drones for commercial applications in sectors like surveying, mapping, infrastructure inspection, or agriculture.
  • Experience in working within restricted airspace and coordinating with aviation authorities (ATC).
  • Strong knowledge of geospatial software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, Pix4D, Agisoft) and drone flight management tools (e.g., DJI Terra, Litchi).
  • Expertise in flying drones in diverse environments (urban, rural, industrial, hazardous).
  • Strong knowledge of drone flight systems, payloads (e.g., LiDAR, RGB cameras, multispectral sensors), and sensor calibration.
  • Familiarity with international regulations regarding drone operations, especially in the United States.
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues in the field.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for mission planning, data management, and safety protocols.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • High proficiency in data post-processing techniques and software tools (e.g., photogrammetry, georeferencing).
  • A degree or diploma in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Aviation, Geomatics, Engineering, or a related field is highly preferred.
  • First Aid Certification
  • Willingness to travel frequently across US for client projects and site-specific operations.
We would be happy to get to know you and your skills better and see how we can support each other's growth.

Please apply and let's meet!

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.